How To STI 6 Speed Swap a Subaru

We're fixing the biggest issue with the Subaru WRX today and that is its sloppy glass 5 Speed Transmission. I have a 2017 Subaru WRX STI Transmission and R180 Rear Diff that we are swapping into the car! This has been asked for in the past so hopefully, this quick guide helps to show you how to swap an STI 6 Speed into your Subaru!
Flat Iron Tuning 6 Speed Swap Kit: bit.ly/3E3mA3O
Smeedia Merch: www.smeedia.net/shop
Smeedia Discord Server: / discord
Tools For The Garage:
Special Oil Funnel: amzn.to/3oeyiCq
Coolant Burping Tank: amzn.to/3iesMfn
3/8" Socket Seet: amzn.to/3uf2dLT
1/4" Socket Set: amzn.to/2XPEd5K
3/8" Impact Gun: amzn.to/3lYfO6q
3/8" Ratcheting Wrench: amzn.to/3ueQNYu
Batteries for those electric tools: amzn.to/3zQE5A5
Floor Jack: amzn.to/39KdE4y
Jack Stands: amzn.to/2WfVWCT
Gucci Screw Driver Set: amzn.to/3EXGTPN
Hook and Pick Set: amzn.to/3kJdeBJ
Audio:
Fluffy - Smith The Mister
Fuji - Tubebackr
September Rain - YME

[@RubioGarage]

The perfect situation, it’s Sunday afternoon, it’s cold and i have a hoodie with my coffee sitting on my couch and smeedia uploaded, can’t get any better

[@Smeedia]

What kinds coffee we sipping on? 🤝

[@abbas674]

I’m sitting in a barracks in the military can’t wait to go home to install my 6 speed swap and new motor

[@bacon_fat]

6-speed swap all in 1 video/day! Love it! Maybe one day I'll 6-speed swap my hawkeye

[@Smeedia]

When the time comes for that swap you'll love it!

[@followtheornghat]

Damn man, 1 day to get the trans fixed, and the entire 6 speed in on the first try in your garage. The growth over the few years following your channel is amazing. Keep killing it brother 🔥💪🤯

[@Smeedia]

Gotta keep learning and growing 💪

[@MasakaGaming5]

@@Smeedia hey bro can you send me that 5 speed swap for my 04 subaru forester xt Automatic please

[@builtsubarusti7408]

Perfect example on why prices between modles change so much. It's not just engine, transmission and brakes. Very cool video to watch. Always are but enjoyed seeing something so different than your normal content

[@Smeedia]

Was nice to be able to mix it up a bit with all the diffrent parts laid put to be able to show 🥳

[@malikkerstens5183]

“I’m gonna be honest don’t quite know what I’m doing here”. I feel that big time

[@Smeedia]

Lol we go in blind sometimes 🤣

[@Jdm2005sti]

Sweet video and info on the swap. So much room when the transmission is out and shifter linkage to install all the new bushings while at it. I too went from wrx 5 speed to sti 6 speed what a big difference. 🔥🤙🏽

[@dalereed2626]

Tanner you never cease to Amaze me with what you do in your garage . Very Impressive one day install of the drive train . Great job.

[@BT-mg1uu]

The timing of this video is amazing! I'm doing a spec b swap into my 2011 wrx over Christmas holidays! So very similar and usable information to help me along. Honestly, thank you soooo much for taking the time to make this video!

[@aarondylan5606]

hi please help all the way from africa, i want to buy a forester SH 3rd gen they have ej20 and ej25 engines but auto. which 6 speed manual is good to put in there and which differential. please help me.

[@nightmahregaming]

dude you did this so quick wtf lol!! Long term goal for my hatch is to six speed swap! When you said "the five speed never wants to go into reverse". I felt that lol

[@mickrichBMXWRXJapan]

Great video! Will never have the money or skills to tackle this, so am happy to enjoy it vicariously here.

[@Smeedia]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Telesko]

I love the leg jack technique, I did that a few times working on my car and my wife thought I was weird. This is great info for people who aren't doing this but are new to cars want to learn more about the drivetrain. Thanks for the great info as always.

[@Smeedia]

Anytime 🥳 Thr leg jack technique works wonders in tight spaces 😅🔥

[@narkyt4356]

Bought an 09 wrx hatch as a roller with trans and suspension, and now find myself building the EJ255 for it because of your videos. Always wanted to build my hatch, but your short block videos gave me the confidence to do so. Getting some .025 oversized mains in tomorrow and then I should be able to wrap up the short block. Built my BC heads using your videos too lol. Thanks a bunch for showing me what not to do first, saving me big $$$.

[@Smeedia]

Keep me posted on how the build goes! Sounds like it should be a solid engine 🥳

[@jai_co4713]

Congrats on 100k! I no longer own a Subie, but I am a Subie owner at heart, living out my dreams vicariously through your videos 😂

[@Smeedia]

Thank you! What did you end up snagging?! 🥳

[@miguelchavez2141]

Just started following you, I’m really looking forward on what I’m gonna learn here

[@smillman437]

Holy crap, another huge info-PACKED episode. Good job on this one Tanner

[@Smeedia]

Thank you good sir!

[@tradeMark182]

Gotta love when my guy is chill in a video ... great comeback

[@Smeedia]

🤝🤝

[@MrGsxrme]

Yes! Using the same DccD controller in my VA WRX IAG built STI trans swap! Love it. So nice to be able to put her in rear mode only for an amazing rear wheel peel.

[@Smeedia]

How have you liked it? Haven't seen too much on the MAP ones 👀

[@aarondylan5606]

hi please help all the way from africa, i want to buy a forester SH 3rd gen they have ej20 and ej25 engines but auto. which 6 speed manual is good to put in there and which differential. please help me.

[@josepeanutbutter4533]

Bro amazing video and now I know how to do a 6speed swap for my forester xt

[@Smeedia]

6 speed swap in a forester would 🔥💪

[@rustymunns2397]

Loving the content man! 6 speed swap in one day is impressive!! I need to do the solid bushing upgrade in my STI, so much slop when it's in gear :(

[@aarondylan5606]

hi please help all the way from africa, i want to buy a forester SH 3rd gen they have ej20 and ej25 engines but auto. which 6 speed manual is good to put in there and which differential. please help me.

[@raycadbury]

Awesome video, would have loved to see the rear lockout rebuild

[@codykellner9985]

Love watching you vids... They are making miss my car..hopefully getting it back friday😁😁

[@Smeedia]

Hopefully gets done quickly 🥳

[@bradgreen987]

Impressive install. Boy, the STI trans is way beafier. Now I understand the swap even more. Thx

[@Smeedia]

The 6 speeds are some thick units 😅

[@j631366]

I sold my WRX and watching this makes me want another just to sti swap thanks for the content !!

[@Smeedia]

Yesssss do it!!!!

[@ChristopherFranz]

Love your work!

[@pamelavance648]

Jobs done...now sending out a thank you to a few that have responded to my questions 😀 and big time help to do Gear shift bushings with fantastic videos...and I'm starting with you 😀 So very greatful for your comments back yesterday Yep did the project today...dang tired and even with roll pin punches 👊 those roll pins still difficult and have muscle cramp in shoulder blade. World of difference oh my goodness. I'm not a mechanic not even a diy person probably took me more than most but I don't quit lol OK now for the funny 😁 it's been loose long enough I need practice finding third gear again....didn't realize how much I had to go over for third before fixing it now I'm trying to avoid 5th when wanting 3rd Oh boy laughing...awe but it is nice. Exhausted but 😊 happy 😊 Thanks for help

[@hatefunwrx]

Great video man, mel is such a champ lending a hand with the hoist in the cold. I know what I'll be doing when the time comes since it only costs a little more

[@Smeedia]

She's a trooper 😅🔥 was like 28* out there lol

[@hatefunwrx]

@@Smeedia damn thats cold but at least it was inside away from the wind but those heaters work wonders. Hats off to Mel

[@DeadRats4U]

Another goated smeedia upload

[@Mike_44]

Fantastic side by side comparison. I often wondered how many parts are needed for these type of swaps. By the way, is the sub frame needed as well? Thanks for taking the time to do this Tanner.

[@shes_lucy]

tanner out here in the cold still going at it, respect 💪

[@nicknachos1]

This is the most in depth video on the swap I’ve ever seen phenomenal job once again 🤌🏼

[@Smeedia]

Thank you 🥳🙏

[@streifs987]

Coming right along man, lovin it!!

[@Smeedia]

🥳🥳🥳

[@omialmanza1900]

No walk in the park STI swaps can be a handful overall worth the work. Meet only 2 ppl who've done it. But the info you covered is outstanding!

[@Smeedia]

This is one thing I'd say is 100% worth the swap 😅🔥

[@lian5147]

The only difference in the starter for the 5spd and the 6 spd is the hight of the gear to account for the larger flywheel. If you plan on keeping your 5 speed pull style clutch you have to use the 5 speed starter. And vice versa

[@Smeedia]

Good info to have 🤝

[@foxunfocused]

Very in-depth! Making me question my sanity in wanting to STI swap a bugeye RS lol. But I also have 2 VW W8 engines sitting in my garage right now, so my sanity probably isn't in the best place anyway 😆

[@Smeedia]

One engine in the front and one in the back, easy AWD 😅🔥

[@ryanleva4264]

As always (IMO) church of smeedia is one of the most informative and entertaining hands down yo. This video is a wicked breakdown good S#*T sir.

[@Smeedia]

Eyyyyy, thank you Ryan 🤝🔥

[@TheSlenderman80]

Tying to put some sti drive train stuff on my 2020 impreza so this helps out alot seeing what it takes and whats needed to do what i want

[@Smeedia]

🤝🤝🤝

[@cds.pythons]

Take a shot each time Smeedia says “beefier” 😂 love the vids man

[@Smeedia]

We getting beefy tonight my man 🤣

[@paulmarsdensr1095]

A good job man on thus installation. 👏

[@Smeedia]

Thanks Paul!

[@section8118]

Jeez, 1 day to do all that?!?! The improvement over time is real. On a side note what basic tools(mainly brands) do you recommend? I had a buddy lost all my tools so now I'm looking into good but also easy on the wallet tools

[@archerdrake6193]

Yesss a new Smeedia vid let's gooo

[@Smeedia]

LESSSSSA GOOOO

[@Thechaoscrusadors]

Sweeeet!!! 1. Can you do a video on different motors subaru makes and what are good swap options. 2. The rx7 deal fell out so i wont have the rotary for a while yet. Still looking tho!

[@Smeedia]

I'll add it to my list 🤙

[@jayc5470]

Damn, that awesome dude! You made it look easy. Someday i'll do a 6 speed swap until my 5 speed dies lol. For now, I'm focusing handling and reliabilities.

[@Smeedia]

Ride that 5 speed out 💪

[@michaelsantoro119]

Woooo Smeedia upload notification is the best notification

[@Smeedia]

My mannnn 🥳🥳🥳

[@jacobstephens8447]

Brooooo I have Perrin shifter bushings and I am so ready to get rid of the sloppy slop. Been putting that off for a minute now 😅

[@tommanning7337]

Great video Tanner!!!!! 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@Smeedia]

Thanks Tom 🔥💪

[@toddsnook8058]

Love your channel man, I’ve gotten a lot of useful info from you. I recently had an engine build done and ask for a solid u joint shifter to be done at the same time and didn’t think it was done and now seeing yours all tight and and shit makes me pretty sure it was never done. I have a ton of slop in mine. Didn’t ask for bushing but the solid u joint I did. What do you think? Never got done huh? I’m talking slop like it looks like it’s in Neutral when in gear. Thanks tanner!! Again love your channel

[@Smeedia]

If you've got slop in gear from left to right movement I would guess it was never done

[@RaginPandaz]

I was thinking about doing some power stuff for my 2012 wrx first but after seeing this I think I’m gonna do the 6 speed swap first lol

[@Smeedia]

You'll love thr car so much more with the 6 speed 🔥

[@issacdellamater8541]

what year 6 speed should you be looking for to swap into a 2011 WRX hatch? Also love the video and your hatch build is awesome!!!

[@Volksmash]

5 speed is glass. 6 speed is chefs kiss. Love the content dude

[@Smeedia]

Appreciate it my man, we want that chefs kiss 🤌

[@johnathanvickrey6217]

Really curious to see the fitment on the wheels I might try any copy you on it👍🏼

[@Smeedia]

I will keep you posted good sir!

[@pamelavance648]

Time stamp 17: 33 Lol .... and... just like that comment 🤣 Seeing all the parts out in the beginning sent my head a spinning 🙃

[@Smeedia]

It ain't too bad to do 😅

[@ryanjohnson8581]

Holly shit. You made that to easy, very detailed. Great video

[@Smeedia]

Thank you 🥳

[@toxicsledgeful]

Another Banger of a video!

[@Smeedia]

🤝🥳

[@TheRandomname951]

This video has me very excited! I was debating on selling my 13 hatch wrx and looking for a a Sti hatch but if the parts are interchangeable this looks better to do. My question is can 6 speed be done to the stock ej 255 engine the wrx comes with? Thanks!

[@1atinlove]

Nice vid! I was going to do this after i finish the FRS. What do you mean by matching the Diff with Trans? Will the stock 6spd drive shaft hold a high amount of power or will it be advisable to change that out?

[@marvinvisser5039]

I'm also runnin the torquesolutions solid U-joint on my Forester STI. Amazing upgrade for shifter feel.

[@Smeedia]

10/10 highly suggested 🔥

[@AblationMusic]

How does it compare to Kartboy?

[@mickrichBMXWRXJapan]

Was also thinking about one of those but worried about increased NVH, so am just going for the upgraded bushings instead.

[@christiangoyer]

Saving this one for a year from now

[@Smeedia]

Hopefully it helps 🔥🤝

[@C4banchee]

Would it have been a good idea to rebuild the hubs and carrier barring while everything was out or is that something that you don't need to do until it needs it? Great video you make it look easy.

[@Smeedia]

If they needed them yes, but I don't want to spend extra $$$ if I don't need to.

[@Sandy-oe2ke]

excellent video and very well explained, I want to do the swap to my 2004 wrx but the 2007 sti transmissions here are very expensive in new jersey they cost 6 thousand only the transmission and with all the parts from 8 thousand to 9 thousand and it is the only thing I would need to raise horsepower 😭😭

[@Smeedia]

WHAAAAAT?! They're like $6000 brand new 😭

[@Sandy-oe2ke]

yes i know that is the only reason that hold me to do the swap

[@yamilmelendez2667]

Broooooooo I’ve been lost for a while but my man I have to tell u that I finally turned my car on. At lasttttttt funny thing is it was just the rear end harness it had the WRX oem one instead of the oem one fron the engine the reason why the fuel pump never activated. 😂😂😂 witch is a RS 2.5

[@Smeedia]

That would make sense 😅🔥

[@yamilmelendez2667]

@@Smeedia lol its just that I thought because of taking the module out would just work since all the clips just clipped in like nothing

[@Goliat-mk9um]

Nice video like always man. I’ve been waiting for this video for a while now. But I have a question, would the swap be as “smooth” on a sedan?

[@Smeedia]

Yessir, would be ecact same 😁

[@Goliat-mk9um]

@@Smeedia awesome. You’re the man.

[@bubbabrannan5915]

Ya make it look easy ✅️ 6 speed would be nice, wheels first though I would like the 5x114 over 5x100.... I don't forsee mine blowing up anything soon. Thanx Tanner 🥃🥃🥃

[@Smeedia]

Anytime my friend, that 5x114 is a huge benefit 🔥

[@JoshD10]

Damn bro. Killin it. 🫡

[@Smeedia]

👩‍🚀👩‍🚀👩‍🚀

[@foriegnstylez4512]

Hey tanner according to flatirons tuning for the 11-14 u don’t have to swap the hubs

[@ararson4710]

Gears are bigger on the Sti, and older sti trans has the Trans fluid dipstick, I believe the 07 and up only has overfill plugs doesn't have dipstick. Gear ratio is also different on certain yrs. I know 07 has longer gear ratios.

[@Smeedia]

All spot on 🔥

[@joshuawilliams639]

You make it look easy.

[@Smeedia]

Not too shabby to do 🤝

[@davidnevitt9151]

FYI 5spd trans mount is taller then the 6spd mount!! found that out hard way

[@Smeedia]

Yessss they are indeed diffrent 🤝

[@Onlydumbassthinkearthisflat]

I know you can use the dccd when you convert to a 6 speed but can you do the vdc also

[@jackwright5939]

Good stuff!

[@jackwright5939]

Also I was curious what are the requirements to swap a vf48 into a 2004 wrx so there’s no issues? Thanks for all you do!

[@Smeedia]

@Jack Wright just tune for it, it'll drop right in 🔥

[@jackwright5939]

@@Smeedia thanks man!

[@braydonbentley4041]

My favourite part of 6 speed swapping my wrx was finding out the rear diff was bad after having to pull the trans out again to put a monoloc in it. Now I get to find out if my centre diff is gone as a result of the previous owner potentially driving the car with a blown rear end

[@Smeedia]

That's ao fooooked, sorry to hear dude 😭

[@aarondylan5606]

hi please help all the way from africa, i want to buy a forester SH 3rd gen they have ej20 and ej25 engines but auto. which 6 speed manual is good to put in there and which differential. please help me.

[@erickberard3820]

Wish the rs was auto to see what needs to be done for auto -> manual swaps thats all i need now

[@Smeedia]

Should be pretty much same same, reglash the ecm to eliminate the TCU and toss it in the bin

[@robbiemonk9622]

Did I miss the JDM folding mirror swap? Looking forward to watching that vlog, I want to do them on my hatch

[@Smeedia]

Not yet, I still have to wire them in 😅🤝

[@robbiemonk9622]

@@Smeedia ok cool. The wiring is the part I’m most interested in, here’s to you hoping you figure it out so you can share with the rest us 🤞

[@Moriarty_Media]

Im loving the jacket! what is it so i can buy it!

[@Smeedia]

Costco special 😅

[@erickvargas5427]

Hey tanner for the sti aluminum control arms, do you get 08-14 sti control arms or newer year?

[@dylanseth5379]

Man I saw you instagram post, I didn't know u do youtube!

[@Smeedia]

YESSSSSSIR Mainly on YT more than IG 😅🤝

[@ethansandham3202]

You mention the drive shafts being bigger. Do you know if that is the centre of the shafts or if it would have more teeth on the ends aswell

[@Crazy8ts]

this should help people appreciate the volume of hardware that the STI has as an upgrade over a WRX...its SUBSTANTIAL...oretty much EVERYthing is different except for the sheetmetAl of the body lol

[@Smeedia]

100% they're essentially just the same body lol

[@azureander5487]

do you ever worry about the pneumatic jack stands failing while you're under the car? that gives me chills just looking at it 0.0

[@siezethedays]

on the 2015+ wrx's are there any parts that don't have to be switched over like the hubs or the knuckles?

[@richardlangston3709]

What are you doing with the ray gram lights ! I have a silver wrx hatch :(

[@abbas674]

Isn’t it better to connect the trans and motor and drop it in from the top or bottom

[@SubieBlue]

Have an 09 WRX sedan. Can I do the same with (up to) 2014 STI sedan suspension components to do the swap?

[@Austyyyg]

I have a 2015 Subaru outback 3.6r, I used to have a 2004 sti. But I had a baby lol. I am dying to 6 speed swap the outback. I do believe that the 3.6r with a manual sti trans would be a bad bitch.

[@Smeedia]

Ohhhh that would be a fun swap with the 3.6 🔥

[@dble5896]

Really making me want to sti swap my foz with a new engine.

[@Smeedia]

SEND IT 😈😈😈

[@jordanwilley5445]

Have a crucial? You mentioned an adapter for the knuckles to fit wrx coilovers. Do you have a link or any recommendation? I've purchased fortune auto coils for wrx and learned later I'd have to keep 5x100 knuckles. Not a big issue but if I can get beefy hubs I'd rather go that route

[@lilmike1780]

Damn those white wheels off the STI look sooooooo sick, are you gonna go back to silver or rewrap in a different color?

[@Smeedia]

I might just leave it gold 😅

[@scoobysouth]

Outstanding...What about the rear Diff Temp sensor??

[@Smeedia]

Don't need to use it as the ecm dosent look for the sensor 🤝

[@jimrossabrena7955]

What year 6 speed do I need to get in order to swap it into my 99' Forester?

[@MrJaybob500]

I have a 08 wrx narrow body and since yours is a 14 wide body, (same as a sti from 08-14) any chance you could go into a little detail on how to six-speed swap a narrow body car? Anyway great detailed video 👍

[@Smeedia]

It is 100% the exact same as this🤝

[@MrJaybob500]

@@Smeedia right sorry should’ve specified for the poor man’s version lol, also will you be covering what happens if you don’t use a dccd controller? (I bet I will see it in that video)

[@aaronnichols2727]

Where do I find the parts to do this swap. Im going from 05 RS to sti 6 speed. Im dropping an the IAG Performance / Crest CNC Stage X 2.5L Subaru Billet Aluminum Short Block For WRX, STI, Legacy GT and Forester XT. Built power output rating 1000+BHP. Thanks

[@jordanbarone9094]

Can you make an vid on how to install the e-brake shoes?! Need to do it on my blob😬

[@Smeedia]

Yes 🤝

[@jordanbarone9094]

@@Smeedia Thank you! And congrats on 100k bro!!🙌

[@stevendurbin9006]

Sir it's tq that causes the fork pivot blow outs not power my guy haha did b great comparison run threw and kept it simple people all on KZbin drag it out make it sound like a scary situation to jump into when it's not bad at all my 9nly complaint everytime is the weight difference while installing everything pretty much besides the front sti lca everything else is alot heavier 😅

[@Smeedia]

Got caught up in the moment 🤣 The wrx 5 speed is so easy ti get in and out. That 6 speed though is heavy AF to lift up 🤣

[@Wonksss]

great video. Power has nothing to do with the pivot ball going thru the clutch fork on the wrx. Mine did it with stock power stock clutch. :(

[@Smeedia]

Good to know, I've only ever seen em explode from higher HP cars 😅

[@michaelblades917]

Guessing stiffer clutch on wore out fork. Not more hp

[@Wonksss]

@@michaelblades917 it was a stock clutch that I had. Now it's a fx350 with a fx250 disk. engine is coming out for refreshed heads in spring, so I think I'll take that opportunity to upgrade to the billet fork.

[@ArkArmy90]

So can you swap a 15 and up wrx 6 speed into a gd wrx I was thinking you can stay stage 2 and get more mileage ?

[@justinpalmer9417]

For the aos the bottom port that goes to the turbo drain should be clockable

[@Smeedia]

Talking about the 3mi hose?

[@justinpalmer9417]

@@Smeedia correct

[@jlax9565]

Would the 15+ sti driveshaft work for the 08-14 wrx swap or would I need a 08-14 sti driveshaft.

[@FooTude]

I have an off the wall question can you put a 6 speed STi swap on a Forester X? If so are there any benifits? I ask because I was quoted like 7k to replace my transmission. So for that cost I can get a 6 speed.

[@abbas674]

Hey man I blew my 5 speed now I have a 2017 Sti trans rear diff with axles and drive shaft also have the sti diff mount what else do I need I’m about ready to drop and replace these parts

[@robbiemonk9622]

What drive shaft did you use for the swap? Im looking into doing the swap on my ‘14 Wrx hatch. From what I’m finding out the ‘15+ drive shaft doesn’t work on the GR chassis, is that true?

[@Sebastian-xq6ix]

Quick Question, would all those parts also fit on a 2005 Impreza RS?